Oh, the glory days of classic, sporty, vintage and stock cars. There is a great deal of nostalgia that occurs just looking old cars over and recalling the fun times they represent. There will be plenty of nostalgia at Jefferson’s Autorama festival this Saturday, June 21, 3-6 p.m. Part of the festival will be centered around Giddings Park on the site of the former Jefferson Elementary School, with vehicles lined up on East Jefferson Street.
Cars, food trucks, vendors and spectators will be gathering to gawk at the glory days of classic, sporty, vintage and stock cars.
At the Jefferson Historical Society, next to Henderson Memorial Library on East Jefferson Street, there will be raffles outside and plenty of displays inside reflecting many years of car production.
In honor of the late Gary Tabor, who passed away this past May, we will be displaying just a few of his cars from his Antique Toy Museum in Williamsfield. Gary loved to race stock cars, as well as his wife, Darlene. Her career came to an end when she was racing while pregnant and wrecked on the track. She and the baby were fine, but her taking care of the baby took precedence over taking care of her sweet car!
Just one week before he passed away, I interviewed Gary about his racing days at his request! He knew the Autorama was coming up and wanted to contribute his memories. He mentioned Ashtabula-area racetracks and those in surrounding counties he enjoyed attending or ones in which he raced. They were: Thompson Raceway Park, Raceway 7, Painesville Speedway, Ashtabula Fairgrounds, Sharon Pa. Raceway and Expo Speedway.
Gas stations of the past were more like a general store, and the owner himself would come out and pump the gas into your tank while cleaning your windshield. You could also purchase oil, tires and other car parts. As cars evolved so did the gas stations. You pumped your own gas and had your choice of different grades and could pay with a credit card. If your windshield was dirty, you cleaned it yourself!
Today, gas stations have reverted to the “general store” concept, but the name has changed to “convenient store.” You can order a meal, buy fresh fruit, play the lottery, eat inside or outside on a table, purchase small gifts, and, yes, still buy gas.
Every other car need you have is purchased at an auto store, tire shop, or specialty auto needs. Miner’s Tire Store in Jefferson was a mainstay for 37 years beginning in 1923. He moved the location once to across the street and was located at 25 East Jefferson Street. In 1960, he sold the business to Bob Cochran.
S.P. Nizen Service Company at 310 South Chestnut Street, Jefferson, offered cars by Imperial, Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge Trucks. In 1957, an open house displaying new 1958 models was held at the dealership. Featured was a new Sweptside 100 Dodge truck which doubled as a passenger car. It was powered by a 204-horsepower V-8 engine. Later, this spot would be occupied by the Star-Beacon followed by several other car dealers. Cars are still sold at this location that was once bordered by the former Case home torn down to build Hardee’s Restaurant.
On the southeast corner of South Chestnut and Satin Streets there have been many gas stations even today in 2025. Bob Addicott owned it from 1954-1957. An undated postcard and several black and white photos show the station when it was called the B&B Service, selling Coca-Cola, batteries, tires, gas and offering car service bays.
Many businesses and gas stations have been located across from the courthouse at 17 South Chestnut and Jefferson Street. I found several 1950s black-and-white photos of the old white wood framed Sohio gas station as it was being torn down and a new cement block building put in its place that is still there today.
This column does not attempt to name all the car and gas businesses and owners over the years. It is simply a compilation of the photos, memorabilia and news clippings donated to the Jefferson Historical Society and on files in our records. Many other records, pictures and news clippings will be on display this coming Saturday and for several weeks following for you to study and enjoy and perhaps add to the collection. The display can be entered by the front of the building. There is no charge for admission. Also on display will be a collection of miniature handcrafted gas stations of the past designed by train engineer, Daryl Metcalf, a member of the historical society.
Also on display will be large poster-sized prints of the 1953 Corvette showing the fiberglass body built by Molded Fiber Glass of Ashtabula, Ohio. Come take a look at Jefferson’s car and gas businesses of the past!
